Dassault agrees to integrate Indian weapons on Rafale, 114-jet deal likely in 2027

French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation has agreed to integrate indigenous Indian weapons and systems onto the Rafale fighter jet, in a move that could give a major boost to self-reliance under the Indian Air Force’s Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme.According to defence sources, Dassault has agreed to integrate Indian-made weapons including the Astra Mk1 and Mk2 Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) and Rudram anti-radiation missiles onto the Rafale platform.The commitment also covers other munitions and electronic warfare suites developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).The integration of Indian weapons has been a key demand from the Indian side as part of its push for greater self-reliance in the operation of the Rafale fleet. It would also reduce dependence on French-origin weapons such as the Meteor and SCALP missiles. The development is expected to pave the way for the long-pending acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force under the MRFA tender.Defence sources said the proposed deal, estimated to be worth more than Rs 2 lakh crore (USD 25 billion-plus), is now on the fast track and is expected to be concluded by the end of the current financial year in March 2027, or possibly by late 2026. The proposal is currently under detailed negotiations with the French side. Key issues being discussed include pricing, 50-60 per cent Make-in-India content, transfer of technology and the establishment of a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in India.If finalised, the 114-jet acquisition would significantly expand the IAF's Rafale fleet. The Air Force currently has 36 Rafale jets, which have been in service since 2020-22. Separately, 26 Rafale-Marine jets were cleared for the Navy for deployment on INS Vikrant in April 2025 under a USD 7.4 billion deal.The 114 Rafales under the MRFA programme are expected to be manufactured largely in India through a joint venture involving Dassault and a private Indian partner.As part of the proposed arrangement, Dassault would establish a full production line in India. The deal is also expected to include significant Make-in-India content and technology transfer, which are currently part of negotiations between the two sides.The IAF has been pushing for an early conclusion of the MRFA programme as its fighter squadron strength has fallen to 29 against a sanctioned strength of 42. The retirement of the MiG-21 fleet has further underscored the requirement for additional fighter aircraft.Dassault's agreement to integrate Indian weapons marks a shift on an issue that had earlier remained a sticking point, particularly over concerns related to access to source codes.The decision follows the IAF's operational experience of using Rafales with Indian weapons during Operation Sindoor, according to defence sources.The move has also come amid a strong government-to-government push from Paris. With the agreement on indigenous weapons integration, one of the key issues surrounding the MRFA proposal has moved closer to resolution, potentially clearing the way for the larger negotiations on the 114-aircraft contract.- Ends